Today we’d like to introduce you to Barry Jones.
Hi Barry, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
This is my truth which is all I have to give.I came to Kalamazoo MIchigan by way of Chicago Illinois June 4th of 2016. Homeless helpless and with a serious drug addiction but with a whole lot of hope, and a strong desire to never use drugs and alcohol again..I manage to stay clean and sober not using any mind mood altering chemicals,gaining employment and working hard on changing my insides as opposed to my outsides.Found out 60 days after I got here I had prostrate cancer and during my treatment process I noticed many cancer patients not having transportation after their chemo and or radiation visits.That gave me the idea to play a part in making their process better,and thought if I’m ever able I will somehow become a transportation provider to assist with them getting home directly after their visit. So as I continued to work a job not use drugs or alcohol,save as much money as possible and I filed bankruptcy to start rebuilding because my life was in shambles. So after the BK was discharged I started to build credit which I know now possibly saved my life.
It definitely help me go from being homeless to homeowner and acquire three wheel chair vans and a contract with Bronson to provide non emergency medical transportation for many many of their patients.So presently I’m 16 months in with my contract with Bronson,I’ve also acquired a contract with Grace Health and work real close with Victory Clinic and True Care Assisted Living and other facilities.The challenge has been with not having business experience and capitol to stay a float,I’ve had to do the impossible to keep our doors open.Having been told the cancer came back 6 months ago,and needed a major surgery which left me with a permanent colostomy, and not able to work for four months,and just three weeks ago I was told the cancer has arrived for the third time,and I’m traveling to and from the U of M for treatments and still transporting patients and giving them hope even when I’m in pain myself.
I’m not trying to or pretending to be a saint.But I want the God who I believe in and the society in which I live know that I owe and with my dying breath I’d like to make good on that debt.
During active addiction I did a lot of unfavorable things.Stuff I’m not proud of not to mention neglecting my children that needed their father.But for the past 9 years 8 months and 5 days I’ve done my absolute best to live an acceptable responsible and productive life.And it feels good to be of service.And its definitely a service I’m providing because I’ve not paid my self in 16 months.I’m so far behind in my mortgage I sometimes fear being homeless again.I’ve exhausted all credit cards and resources and even owe close friends more than I’m able to pay.But I’m the only NEMT Business centrally located in this county that I’m aware of,that get up 2,3,4,in the morning to assist with Emergency room discharges, or other calls of distress.
I’ve taken many people to their destination weather they could pay or not.And my chemo and radiation process is about to start again real soon.Am I afraid? Not one bit.I believe no matter what happens I’ve paid back what I was able,and for that I’m grateful. My prayer and hope is that HHMS Transportation LLC continues on for decades to come.HHMS is an acronym for HE HELD MY SPOT, which is fitting for how God has held my spot in this world this life and this society. Thank you for allowing me to share my truth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe I covered all bases in my previous response.But not having capitol or knowledge in some areas,and having major medical issues,its been the biggest challenge of my life.Smooth road is something I’d love to experience again.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
HHMS Transportation provides non emergency medical transportation to patients mainly in the Calhoun County area.But we’re open to going outside our area when needed. What makes us different is we dont turn down any rides, and punctuality is our number one goal and priority. No one wants to sit and wait even thirty minutes after being in the hospital or a doctors visit.They want to be in the comfort of their home,their safe place.We operate 7 days a week 24 hours a day, weekends and holidays included.
We would love to bridge the gap with students that struggle getting to and from school. Which we’re aware there’s a huge truancy issue in our county and we could help with that.
We’re also open to providing transportation for field trips which we’ve done for Montessori School here in Battle Creek several times, and would like to expand in that area.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That I fear not being able to keep HHMS Transportation going. I love what we do and not one complaint in 16 months. The people we serve love us and appreciate what we do.But the truth is every month the cost associated with operating would run most people away. We haven’t gotten any grants or funds donated to us.My medical issues have given me a little fear at times, not having insurance and the bills are piling up. I’m In my last month of a forebearance with my mortgage company and last year I was never late. Not being able to support and provide for my own 16 year old son who has never seen a C and this school year has been a straight A student. So that would surprise a lot of people that I have all that going on because I dont show it and I dont talk about it.I totally believe God and operate in faith that things will get better some kind of way. He Held My Spot, and thats all I know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hhmstransportation.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DnJ6eQvTb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: [email protected]
